What’s the Difference Between a Speech Delay and a Speech Sound Disorder?
Alexis Irazoque, M.S., CCC-SLP
A speech delay and a speech sound disorder are different communication concerns. A speech delay means a child is developing speech skills more slowly than expected for their age. A speech sound disorder, also called an articulation disorder, affects how a child produces sounds in words. In this article, we’ll explain the difference between the two, what signs to look for, and when to consider a speech evaluation.
Key takeaways
A speech delay means a child’s speech or language skills are developing more slowly than expected for their age. A speech sound disorder affects how a child pronounces speech sounds.
Some speech sound errors are a normal part of learning to talk. A speech therapist can help determine whether your child’s speech is developing as expected.
A child can have both a speech delay and a speech sound disorder.
A speech therapist can evaluate your child’s speech and language skills and recommend the right type of support.
Early support can help children build communication skills and feel more confident as they grow.
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Start the screenerSpeech delay vs. speech sound disorder: The key differences
While the terms may sound similar, they describe different communication concerns. Here's a quick look at the key differences. But keep in mind, a child can have both a speech delay and a speech sound disorder.
Speech delay
Definition: Speech or language skills are developing more slowly than expected for a child’s age
When it’s noticed: Often during the toddler years, when children begin using words and combining them into phrases
What it may sound like: Using fewer words or shorter phrases than expected for their age
How it affects communication: A child may have trouble expressing their wants, needs, thoughts, or ideas
Who can evaluate it: A speech therapist
Speech sound disorder (articulation disorder)
Definition: A child has difficulty producing speech sounds or using sound patterns expected for their age
When it’s noticed: As children get older and certain speech sound errors are no longer expected
What it may sound like: Leaving sounds out, replacing one sound with another, or using sounds in an unexpected way for their age. For example, a child may swap the /d/ and /g/ sounds, saying "doe" for "go." Or they may have trouble pronouncing the /s/ sound, so instead of "sock" they say "thock."
How it affects communication: A child may be hard for others to understand, especially if they make many sound errors
Who can evaluate it: A speech therapist
Which condition does my child have? A decision guide
It can be hard to know what's behind your child's speech difficulties. These questions can help you understand what you may be noticing, but only an evaluation can tell you what's going on.
1 Is your child using fewer words or shorter phrases than expected for their age?
If your child is having trouble learning or using words and sentences, they may have a speech or language delay. For example, the CDC says that by age 2½, most toddlers can say at least 50 words and put two words together into phrases, like "more milk."
2 Is your child talking but having trouble saying certain sounds?
If your child is using age-expected words and sentences but they’re hard to understand because of sound errors, they may have a speech sound disorder. They may leave sounds out, replace one sound with another, or use sound patterns that are not expected for their age.
Abby Barnes, M.S., CCC-SLP, an Expressable speech therapist, further explains: “The terms sound alike, but the difference matters! A child with a speech and language delay may need support building vocabulary and sentences. A child with a speech sound disorder may need targeted practice with certain speech sounds. Some children need support in both areas.”
Some children have both a speech or language delay and a speech sound disorder. A speech therapist can evaluate your child's communication skills and help determine what type of support they need.
Some children and adults struggle to pronounce words clearly. Learn why articulation matters and how speech therapy can help.
What is a speech delay?
A speech delay occurs when a child’s speech or language skills develop more slowly than expected for their age. Speech delays are often noticed during the toddler years, when children are learning new words and beginning to combine them into phrases. For more information about what to do if your toddler isn’t talking, read our guide to toddlers and speech delay.
What is a speech sound disorder?
A speech sound disorder (SSD) is a difficulty producing speech sounds correctly or using sound patterns expected for a child’s age. Some sound errors are a normal part of speech development and learning to talk. For example, a 3-year-old may not be able to pronounce the /l/ or /j/ sounds yet. But ongoing errors can be a sign of an SSD, especially when they make a child hard to understand.
A speech therapist can evaluate your child’s speech and determine whether their sound errors are part of typical development or may be a sign of an SSD. For a deeper look at speech sound disorders, common sound errors, and treatment, see our expert guide to speech sound disorders.
Use this speech sound development chart to track sounds by age, see examples and red flags, and know when an evaluation could help.
Expert tips to support your child’s speech at home
Parents and caregivers play an important role in supporting their child’s speech and language development. You can build these skills into everyday routines without making practice feel like work.
Talk with your child throughout the day. Narrate, or describe, what you’re doing using simple, clear language: “I’m cutting up a banana for your lunch.”
Read books together. You can read the words on the page or talk about the pictures. Ask simple questions and give your child plenty of time to respond.
Expand on what your child says. If your child says, “dog,” you can respond with, “Yes, a big dog!” This gives them a natural model for using longer phrases.
Model clear speech. If your child makes a sound error, repeat the word correctly instead of asking them to say it again. For example, if they say “tar” for “car,” you can respond, “Yes, a car!”
Follow your child’s lead. Barnes recommends talking about what interests your child during play, meals, or other daily activities. She emphasizes, “When children are interested, they’re more motivated to communicate!”
Give your child time to respond. Pause after you speak or ask a question. A few extra seconds can give your child the time they need to find their words or sounds.
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Find a speech therapistWhat should I do if I’m worried about my child’s speech?
If you’re concerned about your child’s speech or language development, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. A speech therapist can evaluate your child’s communication skills and recommend the right type of support.
Consider talking with your child’s pediatrician or contacting a speech therapist if your child is having trouble communicating, is hard to understand, or is not meeting expected speech and language milestones.
You can also take our free online quiz to find out if a speech evaluation may be recommended. Or, contact Expressable to get matched with a licensed speech therapist! We’re here to answer your questions and help you understand the next steps for your child.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
A speech delay means a child’s speech or language skills are developing more slowly than expected for their age. A speech sound disorder affects how a child produces speech sounds, such as leaving sounds out or replacing one sound with another. A speech therapist can evaluate your child and determine what type of support they may need.
Yes. Some children have both speech or language delays and speech sound difficulties. When this happens, a speech therapist can create a personalized therapy plan that supports your child’s overall communication skills while also working on speech sounds.
It can be hard to tell the difference on your own. If your child is using fewer words or shorter phrases than expected for their age, they may have a speech or language delay. If they are using words and sentences but have trouble producing certain sounds, they may have a speech sound disorder. Some children have both. A speech-language evaluation can help identify your child’s strengths and areas where they may need support.
How Expressable Can Help
Concerned your child isn't reaching age-expected milestones? Looking for communication support from a professional? Expressable is a national online speech and occupational therapy practice serving children and adults. We treat all major areas of communication, feeding, and developmental skills, offer flexible hours including evenings and weekends, and accept most major health insurance plans. We’re proud to have earned more than 4,500 5-star reviews from our clients (4.83/5 average).
Our therapy model is centered on parent and caregiver involvement. Research proves that empowering caregivers to participate in their loved one’s therapy leads to better outcomes. That’s why we combine live, 1-on-1 speech and occupational therapy with personalized education and home practice activities for faster progress.
